Planning board needs to be controlled

One of the most memorable days of my life was Jan. 19, 2001. Macon County had tried to institute a serious zoning ordinance about the size of a telephone book that would have affected every property owner in the county to one extent or another. A citizens’ group was formed to oppose this proposed intrusion on our freedom, studied the matter thoroughly and organized an effort to persuade the county to abandon the idea.

Bumper stickers were distributed, ads were run and an informative rally was organized and publicized. The site was the Community Building and the turnout was almost beyond belief. People packed the large meeting room, the halls were jammed with folks who couldn’t get in the room, and the property in front of the building was wall-to-wall citizens. A second seating was necessary and still many never got in. The sheriff’s department was busy waving people on since there was no parking to be had. The people’s voice was heard. The county dropped its plans of zoning.

The group knew it was a matter of time before other attempts would be made, and the planning board has tried ever since to regulate land use. Public hearings will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the courthouse to allow public comment on matters important to the future of Macon County. The planning board has been a constant source of agitation and embarrassment to the county.

The Macon County Board of Commissioners is proposing to bring the planning board under proper control and your support would be helpful. The people’s voice should be heard on this issue.